Martin Foyle believes the next run of fixtures provide an excellent opportunity for his side to pick up their first win of the campaign.

The Sandgrounders have had a tricky start to the Vanarama Conference with two defeats against promotion chasers Halifax and Forest Green Rovers.

But Foyle’s men picked up their first point of the season away to relegated Torquay United in a 0-0 stalemate on Saturday.

Southport will face newly promoted sides Altrincham and Telford over the Bank Holiday weekend and Foyle insists his side have an opportunity to pick up some vital points.

“It was a very tough game against a Torquay side who, really, are a League club because they’ve only just come down,” he said.

“Especially after the Halifax game as well and it’s no surprise to see our opening two defeats were against sides who are now making headway at the top of the league.

“The next few games will be against sides we will have a realistic chances of picking up points against.

“They’re the games that are important to us and if not more important than the games against the top sides.”

He added: “Altrincham had a fantastic result against Bristol Rovers so we know they’ll be coming to us on a high.

“It was a result that surprised people but that’s exactly what this league is all about.

“Every game is tough because four or five years ago you were guaranteed to go and beat one team home and away but there is no chance of that now.

“The teams have really pushed the bar up this year and spent a lot of money and I’m not quite sure how they can do that.

“Obviously they’re chasing the golden ticket but it’s a risky game to play.”

Foyle is working hard behind the scenes to try and bring in at least one more player and admitted the squad isn’t quite right yet.

“We’re a new team so there is still work to be done,” he said.

“There’s still a bit of wheeling and dealing to be done and I’m looking to bring at least one more in.

“The squad isn’t a million miles away but we’re not right just yet.

“A left-sided player and maybe a frontman is where I’m looking but I know what the budget is so I will have to wheel and deal but the window doesn’t effect us too much because we can go into the loan market when it suits.

“I’m looking to extract about 20% more from the players and they’ve got to switch on to what we’re trying to implement.

“They’re young and hungry lads who are really receptive so I know I’ll get that from them.”

The Sandgrounders welcome Altrincham to the Merseyrail Community Stadium on Saturday (3pm) before travelling to Telford on Monday (3pm).

Foyle said: “I can only take the away form that is in front of me.

“We know Telford and how they play but we simply have to take our chances when they come along.

“I’ve been pleased across the pitch because not one player has been below par.

“We know we’ve not got any star players here but I’d rather have a team.